Returning Real received as living ‘legends’
A third Champions League win in four years has drawn comparisons to the great Real side that won the first five editions of the European Cup between 1955 and 1960
Madrid, June 5: Thousands of delirious Real Madrid fans poured onto the streets of the Spanish capital to catch a glimpse of Cristiano Ronaldo and his team mates on Sunday as they paraded the Champions League trophy for a record 12th time.
Ronaldo sported a newly cropped haircut and he and captain Sergio Ramos led the traditional festivities for a major Real celebration as the players greeted local government dignitaries before parading the famous trophy in an open top bus around the Cibeles fountain in the city centre.
From there the squad headed to the club’s Santiago Bernabeu where a capacity 81,000 fans are expected for further celebrations, including a lights show and firework display.
Strict security measures were visible across the city in light of recent terror attacks in London and Manchester.
Ronaldo scored twice in Real’s 4-1 thrashing of Juventus in Cardiff on Saturday as the Spanish giants became the first side to retain the Champions League.
“The players have entered into the legend of Real Madrid and of football, as has our coach,” said club president Florentino Perez, as he reserved special praise for Zinedine Zidane.
The Frenchman has enjoyed spectacular success since taking his first role in senior management just 18 months ago. As well as winning back-to-back Champions Leagues, Madrid also beat Barcelona to La Liga two weeks ago to complete a first league and European Cup double for 59 years. A third Champions League win in four years has drawn comparisons to the great Real side that won the first five editions of the European Cup between 1955 and 1960.
“I feel like this is the best team in history,” one fan, who had travelled over 500 kilometres to take in the celebrations, said.